"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethern came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
(3 John 1; 2-4)
This morning we got the news that our niece made her choice last night at Elizabeth convention.
Last week our oldest son stood up at Chugwater, along with two other young NE girls we know.
The week before that our 8 & 11 yr olds stood at Antioch, among 10 others, including another young girl from our meetings here.
In May, two of my nephews professed the same weekend. One at Casa Grande AZ conv, one at our Gospel meeting here.
Just a year ago another nephew professed & was baptized at Summer conventions.
What rejoicing we have known these past weeks! I've had so many thoughts on this, first of all how much we need to pray for these who have overcome the struggle of making a start. For some this isn't a first start, and it makes it even more real to me how much we need to pray for each other, not only to make the choice, but to be able to continue to make the choice each day.
When I think of how much we as parents, family, friends and our workers are rejoicing, it makes me stop to remember how much the Lord is rejoicing. However, it also makes me realize that the enemy will even try harder to hinder.
Ps 126; 5...They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
I Cor 3:6--I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
We all have an important place to fill. Bringing up Children to know and love God, Nurturing and praying for them, Encouraging and praying for others, Showing the example of Christ in our lives...It is all part of sowing & watering the precious seed.
The thought came to me today, I wonder maybe if part of the plan in what God allows us/others to go thru is in order to see how desperate we are by being willing to put time and effort into praying about the person/situation.
"My heart o'er-flows with praise to God alway, For needed Grace he give me day by day...."
"I long to live so that my life will show
How much it means such boundless grace to know,
That every weary, fearfull soul I meet,
who day by day is suffering from defeat,
Might through his tears and sorrows see in me
What he could share through grace so rich and free."
Amen to that mom:-) Love ya, Laura
ReplyDeleteMax, it may be wonderful to see your children take their first steps in the truth, but from a third party view, its been wonderful to see those children's parents grow too!! We're SOOO grateful for parents that have hung in their through tough times.
ReplyDeleteLove you!!!
Hi Maxine, No wonder your heart is full. I am so happy for you and those who have begun taking steps in this wonderful way of God. I remember the time when our 2 children took their stand - one on Sat and one on Sunday at the same convention. I didn't know a heart could stand so much excitement and pleasure!
ReplyDeleteYesterday, Hester W. told us about Mal 3v17 about God making up his jewels. She spoke about the jewels being precious and the processes that precious jewels and precious metals have to go through to become precious. Cutting experiences and firey trials make these things precious. When things are tough we need to remember this is all part of the process.
ReplyDeleteOH and it was a wonderful convention too.... how come no matter how empty we go to convention (or any meeting) that with a willing heart to listen we always come back overflowing? One of the testimonies was that when you serve tea you always use a saucer under the cup that way if it over flows there is something to catch it. You can always drink the tea from the saucer too!
ReplyDeleteWhen meetings are tested I always cry...everytime. Doesn't matter if I know anyone that makes their choice or not. It is so wonderful to see God work in someones life.
It just keeps getting better and better! We have just been reminded over and over how much we need to be praying for others! Glad for God's reminder that He is listening!
ReplyDeleteI also usually cry when a meeting is tested...and I cried when I heard Derek professed at Chugwater. So awesome to see people taking a step in the right direction, especially when it's someone you know and care about!
ReplyDelete